KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City might be seeing more action:”lights, camera, action” that is with the help of a film office returning after a decade of having the curtain down.
Kansas City is reeling in the production business. After more than 10 years, the city’s new budget is bringing about the the re-establishment of a film office.
“We’ve fallen behind in terms of productions that should have happened here,” said Teri Rogers, the CEO and President of the production company, Hint.”When you don’t have a film office, or a person to go to, what happens is, either it falls to the film commission which is all volunteers and we all have our own jobs.”
Rogers says when Kansas City’s government sponsored film office was discontinued more than a decade ago, it caused the city to fall behind in the industry.
“Without somebody who is literally committed to that, opportunities just slip,” added Rogers.
Previously there has been some production interest in Kansas City.
“America’s Got Talent was interested in coming here last year, and if a show like that films in your city, not only do they spend upwards of $500,000 on food, hotels, crew, etc. while they’re here, but then when the show is made, you basically have an hour long TV commercial about Kansas City. That’s worth millions in free advertising,” said Heather Laird, the President of the board of the Film Commission of greater Kansas City.
Laird says now that the city is bringing the film office back and the money is in budget, the city’s economy will likely get a boost.
“We know that production in Kansas City is at least a $120 million industry,” Laird added.
Rogers agrees.
“We’d be putting people in this industry to work, as well as hotels and restaurants, and props,” said Rogers. “I mean there’s just a lot of economic gain that comes with a shoot of any size.”
Rogers says the reopening of the film office put Kansas City back in the game.
“It makes us look like we are committed to the industry, and we want more of that kind of work, and that we’ll work to get it,” said Rogers.
It could take a few months, but the film office should be up and running within the year.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James supports the idea.
“We strongly believe there is an opportunity for economic development with regard to film, including commercials, infomercials, and digital film projects. We’re now pulling up our seat at that table,” said James.
